Members of a gym in Billingham have expressed their shock after its sudden closure.

A statement was issued on the Facebook page of the Oxygym Health and Fitness Club stating it will not be reopening after the Christmas holidays.

The privately-owned gym, on Cowpen Lane, was formed in November 2004 by Glyn Amos and Dave Robinson. Since then thousands of people have used its facilities.

The announcement from Mr Amos and Mr Robinson said: “Due to strict legal direction we have been unable to make any formal statement until today.

“Oxygym has closed for the Christmas period and with a heavy heart will not re-open in the New Year.”

They said rental demands and “a highly competitive market place” had made it impossible for them to continue trading.

“Believe us this is the very last thing that we wanted and we have explored every other option before making this sad decision,” they said.

“We have worked incredibly hard for 12 years to maintain Oxygym’s place in the market. We hope you’ll agree it has been a friendly, welcoming environment to train. It is a massive loss to us personally and will leave a huge hole in our lives.”

Regarding membership fees, they said direct debits had been stopped.

Dave Robinson at the Billingham gym (Image: Evening Gazette)

But the statement continued: “However, there are a few older memberships which are standing orders and these do need cancelling by yourselves, we have no control over a standing order instruction.”

It is not clear if those who have paid for gym subscriptions will be reimbursed.

The statement said: “Finally we would like to take this opportunity to genuinely thank our members most who have become friends for their support and loyalty over the years.

“We wish you future health and happiness and apologise for not being able to make any announcement sooner or in person.”

Several people members expressed disappointment on the Facebook page.

Andrea Johnson said: “Our lovely friends, what will we do where will we go? It’s been an absolutely fantastic gym, we will never find another one like it.”

And Stuart Broll said: “Sorry to hear. I know you’ve both put your heart and soul into the place over the last few years and it will be a great loss to many.”